Draft for immediate improvement

[joedinkle]

Our Texans have many holes that need to be filled. These include S,OL,DL,QB,and RB. However, I only see filling 2 of those wholes that will give us immediate improvement. That is OL and RB. Drafting a RB in the first will give us an offensive threat, something we don't have much of, and take the pressure off of Carr and the line during passing downs. Drafting the OL will give Carr more time to throw and open more holes.

My position...RB. Defensive talent is deep this draft and FA and can be had at later rounds. I would feel terrible about us throwing another rookie QB behind our line, besides, QB is a little thin this year, and Brohm and Brennan are coming out next year. While the OL can open holes for runners, we don't have a consistant(performance or health) threat at RB. However, a good RB(Peterson/Lynch) will make plays happen. If we are fortunate enough to have AD fall to us, we MUST take him. If not, we can trade down a few spots, and maybe even reach if no trades are available, for Lynch. Just my 2 cents.

[Ole Miss Texan]

As far as those people you have suggested I would Take Peterson 1st if he's there. Then I would look for a trade down possibly, and would take Levi Brown to help the O-line. I am not very high on Lynch and I really don't have a good explanation at all. We'll know more after the combine and all, Levi might not be a stretch at 8 at that point...we'll see. If neither Peterson or Brown....I would go Defense..FS,CB DT...just my 2 cents.

[Texans Horror]

There aren't so many gaping holes. In fact, most of them, believe it or not, are on the defensive side. To me, these are the holes left to fill:

Offense
Running Back
Center

Defense
Defensive Tackle
Linebacker (Weakside)
Cornerback
Safety

That's six positions. The most important ones this year stop the run. So IMO, priority is Running Back, Defensive Tackle, and Center. Linebacker and Safety can also help with the run, but Cornerback having nothing to do with the run is last in my list. (That's why I don't see Samuel/Clements coming to Houston.)

FA will pick up one of these positions. That leaves five to be picked up during the draft. For most teams, the draft is equivalent to two to three players and a backup. But this is the Texans. I expect all six to be competing for roster spots.

[HomeBred_Texan]

Originally Posted by KJ3

i think anybody that we draft will be an immediate improvement...barring some casserly-esque picks we'll be fine.

Like a defensive lineman for the hundreth year straight...

[Meloy]

Originally Posted by joedinkle

Our Texans have many holes that need to be filled. These include S,OL,DL,QB,and RB. However, I only see filling 2 of those wholes that will give us immediate improvement. That is OL and RB. Drafting a RB in the first will give us an offensive threat, something we don't have much of, and take the pressure off of Carr and the line during passing downs. Drafting the OL will give Carr more time to throw and open more holes.

My position...RB. Defensive talent is deep this draft and FA and can be had at later rounds. I would feel terrible about us throwing another rookie QB behind our line, besides, QB is a little thin this year, and Brohm and Brennan are coming out next year. While the OL can open holes for runners, we don't have a consistant(performance or health) threat at RB. However, a good RB(Peterson/Lynch) will make plays happen. If we are fortunate enough to have AD fall to us, we MUST take him. If not, we can trade down a few spots, and maybe even reach if no trades are available, for Lynch. Just my 2 cents.

Do not forget that UT QB Colt McCoy has option of entering NFL after next season. He looked pretty fair this last year.

[Meloy]

Originally Posted by OSQ

There aren't so many gaping holes. In fact, most of them, believe it or not, are on the defensive side. To me, these are the holes left to fill:

Offense
Running Back
Center

Defense
Defensive Tackle
Linebacker (Weakside)
Cornerback
Safety

That's six positions. The most important ones this year stop the run. So IMO, priority is Running Back, Defensive Tackle, and Center. Linebacker and Safety can also help with the run, but Cornerback having nothing to do with the run is last in my list. (That's why I don't see Samuel/Clements coming to Houston.)

FA will pick up one of these positions. That leaves five to be picked up during the draft. For most teams, the draft is equivalent to two to three players and a backup. But this is the Texans. I expect all six to be competing for roster spots.

So you think we need to stop the run more than the passing game? I thought stats showed we did better against the run last season? I rank the need of a corner way over a DT. A corner can take away large gains in the air, attack the runner ala DR and blitz the QB. A #1 corner will strengthen the line, backers, Dunte and the safeties. As I've said before, Kubes thought PB was going to work at CB and thought Earl & CC Brown were going to be ok in that scenario. IMO RB and CB are the top needs. I throw QB in due to the uncertainity of Carr.

[dgar3752]

Originally Posted by OSQ

There aren't so many gaping holes. In fact, most of them, believe it or not, are on the defensive side. To me, these are the holes left to fill:

Offense
Running Back
Center

Defense
Defensive Tackle
Linebacker (Weakside)
Cornerback
Safety

That's six positions. The most important ones this year stop the run. So IMO, priority is Running Back, Defensive Tackle, and Center. Linebacker and Safety can also help with the run, but Cornerback having nothing to do with the run is last in my list. (That's why I don't see Samuel/Clements coming to Houston.)

FA will pick up one of these positions. That leaves five to be picked up during the draft. For most teams, the draft is equivalent to two to three players and a backup. But this is the Texans. I expect all six to be competing for roster spots.

Greenwood is fine, its our strong side LB's that suck.

[Luv Ya Blue 2007]

Originally Posted by Meloy

Do not forget that UT QB Colt McCoy has option of entering NFL after next season. He looked pretty fair this last year.

You have to be smoking some of that funny stuff to be posting this. This kid will be here when he is a senior and then he will have his chance to go to the NFL. But, not until then.

[QB75]

Originally Posted by Luv Ya Blue 2007

You have to be smoking some of that funny stuff to be posting this. This kid will be here when he is a senior and then he will have his chance to go to the NFL. But, not until then.

More likely he will be there until he's a senior (if he stops getting hurt) and then go the way of Major Applewhite.

[BattleRedToro]

Originally Posted by OSQ

There aren't so many gaping holes. In fact, most of them, believe it or not, are on the defensive side. To me, these are the holes left to fill:

Offense
Running Back
Center

Defense
Defensive Tackle
Linebacker (Weakside)
Cornerback
Safety

That's six positions. The most important ones this year stop the run. So IMO, priority is Running Back, Defensive Tackle, and Center. Linebacker and Safety can also help with the run, but Cornerback having nothing to do with the run is last in my list. (That's why I don't see Samuel/Clements coming to Houston.)

FA will pick up one of these positions. That leaves five to be picked up during the draft. For most teams, the draft is equivalent to two to three players and a backup. But this is the Texans. I expect all six to be competing for roster spots.

While I agree with you on most of this I would include Defensive End, not limit Linebacker to just Weakside, and specify Free Safety not simply Safety.

Originally Posted by HomeBred_Texan

Like a defensive lineman for the hundreth year straight...

That would only be for the third year in a row.
2005 DT Travis Johnson
2006 DE Mario Williams
2007 ?

To include 2004 CB Dunta Robinson and LB Jason Babin is to deny the fact that although Jason Babin is now playing DE, as he did in college, he was picked to play OLB in the 3-4 in the NFL. Since Kubiak switched the defensive scheme to 4-3 Jason Babin and Antwan Peek have been put into stop gap asignments as DE's, and because of this the fans shouldn't be surprised if the team drafts another DE to replace them. That is what happens everytime a team makes a defensive scheme change like this.

[DocBar]

Originally Posted by OSQ

There aren't so many gaping holes. In fact, most of them, believe it or not, are on the defensive side. To me, these are the holes left to fill:

Offense
Running Back
Center

Defense
Defensive Tackle
Linebacker (Weakside)
Cornerback
Safety

That's six positions. The most important ones this year stop the run. So IMO, priority is Running Back, Defensive Tackle, and Center. Linebacker and Safety can also help with the run, but Cornerback having nothing to do with the run is last in my list. (That's why I don't see Samuel/Clements coming to Houston.)

FA will pick up one of these positions. That leaves five to be picked up during the draft. For most teams, the draft is equivalent to two to three players and a backup. But this is the Texans. I expect all six to be competing for roster spots.

I can't believe you left out OT. No garuantee Spencer is back 100% and Winston is a bit more of a project than we thought. Would like to see bona fide LT and Spencer at RT with Winston as swingman.

[Texans Horror]

Originally Posted by DocBar

I can't believe you left out OT. No garuantee Spencer is back 100% and Winston is a bit more of a project than we thought. Would like to see bona fide LT and Spencer at RT with Winston as swingman.

I have been deliberating about LT. Personally, I would love for the Texans to trade up and get Joe Thomas and end this question once and for all. But every time I rationalize the team and the draft, it comes out with LT not being the priority. This is because I have heard reports/rumors that Spencer is recovering well and should be fine. I think if Kubiak was ready to put him in his rookie season, then he will be ready to put him in if he's healthy.

Also, the line is still being built, and with Spencer and Winston book-ending the line, I looked for any other holes. No other position seemed as weak as the center. Hodgdon is not the future center, and Flanagan looked inept throughout the year. And the great thing is that since Center is not the big-name line position anymore, the Texans can draft a really great center (Kalil/Datish) in the second round or a good one in the third.

I understand Winston and Spencer are not perfect - it will take time for them to develop. Personally, I saw Winston not starting at all until 2007 at the earliest. Spencer is a question mark, but for now I am operating on the assumption that the Texans have their tackles.

[Tx'nFanLostInSkinCountry]

OSQ going to be hard to find a O-lineman at all in this years draft. Espn and most of the other draft sites I'm following have O-lineman on the rise because there are so few of them this year. Last player report I read after the senior bowl has Kalil moving in to the #1 round and some are starting to compare him with Mangold from last year. Datish stock is moving up as well now some "experts" are saying late late 1st round early 2nd round. O-lineman this year are at a premium and there are not enough elite prospects to go around so second tier talent is becoming first day picks.

[Texans Horror]

I wouldn't doubt it if Kalil went in the first. It brings up an excellent predicament, IMO. Center is an obvious hole that needs to be filled. So is defensive back. So if you are the Texans, in the second round do you take the best center available, say Datish, or the best defensive back available, say Griffin?

(I'm assuming that in the first round the Texans took AP.)

[Tx'nFanLostInSkinCountry]

Originally Posted by OSQ

I wouldn't doubt it if Kalil went in the first. It brings up an excellent predicament, IMO. Center is an obvious hole that needs to be filled. So is defensive back. So if you are the Texans, in the second round do you take the best center available, say Datish, or the best defensive back available, say Griffin?

(I'm assuming that in the first round the Texans took AP.)

Hard question to answer right now depends on FA. Looking at the long term picture though I'd go with DB. Reason being next years draft will be LOADED with Off. players and alot of talent (senior talent) at QB/RB/OL. JMHO

[DocBar]

Originally Posted by OSQ

I have been deliberating about LT. Personally, I would love for the Texans to trade up and get Joe Thomas and end this question once and for all. But every time I rationalize the team and the draft, it comes out with LT not being the priority. This is because I have heard reports/rumors that Spencer is recovering well and should be fine. I think if Kubiak was ready to put him in his rookie season, then he will be ready to put him in if he's healthy.

Also, the line is still being built, and with Spencer and Winston book-ending the line, I looked for any other holes. No other position seemed as weak as the center. Hodgdon is not the future center, and Flanagan looked inept throughout the year. And the great thing is that since Center is not the big-name line position anymore, the Texans can draft a really great center (Kalil/Datish) in the second round or a good one in the third.

I understand Winston and Spencer are not perfect - it will take time for them to develop. Personally, I saw Winston not starting at all until 2007 at the earliest. Spencer is a question mark, but for now I am operating on the assumption that the Texans have their tackles.

Depepnding on the cost, I would LOVE to get Joe Thomas and have Spencer as RT and maybe check out Winston at RG. That could be a pretty nasty OL. Maybe pick up a C in the later rounds.

[Meloy]

Originally Posted by Luv Ya Blue 2007

You have to be smoking some of that funny stuff to be posting this. This kid will be here when he is a senior and then he will have his chance to go to the NFL. But, not until then.

Do you mean Colt will be here as in Houston or UT as a senior? He was rated by some as better than Kolb of UH and the kid @ Hawaii already. Kolb has been projected as high as 2nd round with possiblility of moving into low 1st after combine. I do not smoke anything, perhaps you should clear your own smoke from your eyes.

[Please_Evolve]

Originally Posted by Meloy

Do you mean Colt will be here as in Houston or UT as a senior? He was rated by some as better than Kolb of UH and the kid @ Hawaii already. Kolb has been projected as high as 2nd round with possiblility of moving into low 1st after combine. I do not smoke anything, perhaps you should clear your own smoke from your eyes.

Colt will have to add some bulk to that frame before he would be considered a pick by me. He's got the smarts, a decent arm, and enough mobility but that pinched nerve has me wondering lingering thought of if the kid can handle the pounding a QB takes over season. IT cost Ut the Kstate game even though the secondary didn't look good and kept blowing plays and certainly cost UT the A&M game.There were a few makeable throws later in the game where i was just wondering if his arm was starting to give out when they fell short. I know he had a great year asa freshman but like QB75 invoked Applewhite(whom got snubbed for #$@$# Chris(chokeartist) Simms) he might get another year but i look for this guy to start pressing if not this year next spring :

http://texas.rivals.com/viewprospect...1&pr_key=43046

[threetoedpete]

Originally Posted by Please_Evolve

Colt will have to add some bulk to that frame before he would be considered a pick by me. He's got the smarts, a decent arm, and enough mobility but that pinched nerve has me wondering lingering thought of if the kid can handle the pounding a QB takes over season. IT cost Ut the Kstate game even though the secondary didn't look good and kept blowing plays and certainly cost UT the A&M game.There were a few makeable throws later in the game where i was just wondering if his arm was starting to give out when they fell short. I know he had a great year asa freshman but like QB75 invoked Applewhite(whom got snubbed for #$@$# Chris(chokeartist) Simms) he might get another year but i look for this guy to start pressing if not this year next spring :

http://texas.rivals.com/viewprospect...1&pr_key=43046

That was a prety fair shot the K state LB laid on Colt on the goal line. Not too many guys come back from a shot like that. I reject your reality and submit that a shot like that and the kid is game enough to come back and give her a go in the A & M game...that there thing is called character. The NFL guys eat that stuff up. Puting your team ahead of your personal saftey...that spoke volumns to me. That's just my reality. You need to go and re watch the shot he took again. It was vicious.

[BattleRedToro]

Originally Posted by OSQ

I wouldn't doubt it if Kalil went in the first. It brings up an excellent predicament, IMO. Center is an obvious hole that needs to be filled. So is defensive back. So if you are the Texans, in the second round do you take the best center available, say Datish, or the best defensive back available, say Griffin?

(I'm assuming that in the first round the Texans took AP.)

Has Fred Weary ever been considered to play Center for the Texans? He played Center as a Junior in college at Tennessee. Certainly I'm not the only one that is aware of his past playing experience. I wouldn't mind seeing the Texans trade down in the First Round, pick up extra picks and get OG Justin Blaylock in the late First Round and then pick up OT Joe Staley in the top of the Second Round. I know that people will say the Texans don't need an OG but if they can succesfully move Fred Weary to Center then they will need an OG and if Joe Staley is slated to go higher perhaps the Texans could pick him near the bottom of the First Round and OG Ben Grubbs in the Second Round, especially if the coaches feel that Grubbs is a better fit in the ZBS than Blaylock. Either way, I want to see the Texans draft 2 more OL this year like they did last year and fix this unit once and for all.